Chapter 20: Avatar verses Avatar

Both Jack and Jared made a standoff, as both of their eyes were locked onto one another with the instinct to kill. Their motives were set, their consciences were silent, and their focus was crystal clear. The both of them were eagerly awaiting to find out who would make the first move. Jack bared the weight of protecting the ones he treasured, while Jared had the instinct to gain power and destroy whoever stood in his way. The ponies huddle closely to their bodies, as they prepared themselves to witness an apprehension battle from above. Each and every pony’s eyes were broadcasting fear and unease while they kept their eyes on Jack and Jared. Pinkie Pie swallowed hard as the tension was boiling up from the suspension. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy clutched their hooves on the edge of the hole. And the rest of the ponies were grinding their teeth together in an unsteady rhythm.

They kept their anxious eyes fixated on the two, waiting for one of them to make a sudden move. Back down, Jack could feel every fiber being of his body just begging for some action. Pearls of sweats trailed down his head as the standoff wasn’t about to last much longer. But Jared on the other hand kept his natural composure, for he felt sincere about the outcome of this battle.

Suddenly, Jack couldn’t take the unease pressure anymore, as his actions overtook him. He firmly grasped the handles hard, making them click, and charged forward. Jared smirked, as he knew the battle had started. The miniature tendrils acted on their own free will and lunged straight towards Jack. As Jack sprinted towards Jared, he let his instincts took over and attack the incoming tendrils with his katanas. The tendrils rushed forward towards their fate, while Jack delivered the execution blows. Jared leaned his whole body back; just to keep a little distance away from him. Rushing through the blinding speed tendrils, Jack felt that he was about to make contact with Jared. Impressed by Jack’s capacity and awareness so far, Jared felt like taking up a notch.

With no sign of warning, Jared immediately lunged straight towards Jack and prepared to put his spine sword to good use. Jack had a split second to realize the surprise attack, as he raised his blades perpendicular to defend his head. The spine sword swung vertically, making contact with the crossed blades. Sparks lit up from the impact of three blades colliding with each other. Jared and Jack struggled with one another as their swords were locked onto one another. They pushed their bodies forward to overpower one another. Jack clenched his teeth, while Jared kept displaying his normal face. Realizing that Jared had the upper hand in this little clash, Jack had to retreat this wrestle match. He spotted an opening to his bottom left corner, and knew of a technique he could use. Using this opportunity now, Jack broke the sword lock and went on with his next move. He ducked down, leaped towards the opening while avoiding Jared’s attack and rolled around behind Jared. Once positioned behind Jared, Jack stood up, leaped into the air, and performed a spinning attack.

He thought that he would land a blow on Jared, but it proved to be a little more tactical than ever. Jared foresaw his technique, and used the large and dark appendages on his back to reel him away, evading his spinning attack.

“Is that the best you got?” Taunted Jared. “Surely you can do better than that! I surpass… all mortal beings, Jack! Prove to me that you have what it takes to entertain a demigod like me!” Jack swerved his head towards his brother and shot a death stare at him. He grunted in frustration, and planned his next move on him. With the next move in motion, Jack chased him. The tendrils became more aggravated than ever, as they squirmed ever so violently. The miniature tendrils launched themselves towards Jack. But just as before, Jack entrusted his instincts to take care of the tendrils, while his eyes were focused on his brother.

Seconds later of fighting his way towards Jared, Jack was in range and performed his next technique. He leaped forward, while evading the whipping miniature tendrils with his acrobatic dynamics, and swung both swords downwards towards Jared. Seeing as this looks like a weak attempt to strike, Jared easily evaded both blades. However; he failed to notice that Jack threw two small smoke bombs at Jared, as he intentionally missed. When the smoke bombs was at an inch range at Jared’s face, the bombs detonated and clouds of smoke burst out of the sphere.

Clouds of smoke engulfed both Jared and Jack seconds later. The ponies from above couldn’t make out what was going on inside the belly of the smoke cloud. Jack knew that he would have the upper hand for this quick match, as his eyes were trained to be adjustable to smoke. Letting the smoke kick in for a few more seconds, Jack made his move and went straight towards Jared, who looked blinded and defenseless. Jack swung his sword vertically at him, however; Jared unexpectedly blocked his attack with his spine sword. Looking surprised for a split second, he attempt to swing his other sword horizontally. This time, Jared used one of his miniature tendrils to grasp the incoming blade.

“A clever effort, but futile…” Jared pointed out. Starting to become enraged, Jack sidekicked Jared on the chest. And the force of the kick pushes his whole body back a bit. The tendril, that held Jack’s sword firmly, lets go of the blade. Getting back to offensive mode, Jack charged at Jared in full speed. Both Jared and Jack clashed, as they exchanged blows, even parried, blocked, evaded, and missed each other’s attacks. Sparks flew everywhere with each blow they delivered. They even exchanged punches and kicks as well.

The smoke started to disappear, and the ponies could see the two brothers locked in an intense retaliation. There was no sudden pause to each attack, as they just kept exchanging moves instantly and uncontrollably. They have never witnessed, or even dreamed of seeing such an intense concentrated battle in their lives. Each and every pony cheered and rooted for Jack to land a blow on Jared. They were so excited to see such action, but at the same time, they felt scared and bewildered. Back down, both of their flurry attacks were so quick that it was impossible to even make out for the mortal eyes to follow. Jared kept on the defensive, while sending his miniature tendrils to do his bidding. And Jack went all out on the offensive, as he kept his eyes sight on his brother and taking out the incoming tendrils. Though this may seem it could last for a long time, Jack knew that he was wasting energy on this.

After a minute of this burly competition, Jack leaped away from Jared, thus ending the intense match. But the battle still continued, as he put away his left katana and pulled out his handgun from his right holster. With three shots left in each handgun, Jack had to make every shot useful. He pointed his gun at Jared’s head and pulled the trigger. The first two bullets were right on target, but Jared deflected the bullets with his spine sword at a rapid rate. And the third bullet aimed towards his heart. But like before, he deflected it with ease.

“Do not take my blindfolded eyes lightly,” Jared pointed out. “For they see what mortal beings could not.” Knowing that bullets were useless against him, Jack decided to continue using his melee range attacks. He tossed the handgun to the side since he no longer has any use of it, and charged right back at Jared. He firmly grasped his left katana behind him and unsheathed the sword swiftly.

While Jack charged straight towards his brother again, Jared had a firm smirk on his face. How he smirked at Jack looked like trouble. Jared’s left hand began to twitch; along with his fingers. Each twitch made loud cracks and popping noises. Not knowing what trick Jared’s pulling out, Jack made a complete stop. Then, after a few twitches later, Jared’s whole hand ignited in a blazing black fire. He then held his ignited hand in front of him.

“Hellfire’s Shadow! He who holds the candle whose light is shadow... shall bring forth the wrath of eternal hell! Let find out… if you can withstand this!” Jared exclaimed. Jack knew of the flame’s properties, as the intensity of the black fire was fierce enough to become as hot as the sun’s surface. Jack had to be very cautious about this, for things were starting to heat up.

Jared reeled his flamed hand inwards and extended his arm straight in front of him, displaying his palm at Jack. At that moment, the center of his palm shot out a pressurized black stream of flames. It was the same attributes as the flamethrower and a water jet cutter combined. The velocity of the flames acceleration was almost instant and Jack barely had enough time to strafe to the side. However; the fire caught and incinerated the katana’s blade. It only took a mere second for the blade to snap in half due to the intensity of the flames. Jack gazed at his sword, and sees a quarter left of the blade. The remaining was a searing, steaming red-hot blade.

Shit... that was close. I better be careful about this, Jack spoke in his consciousness. One wrong move and I’ll be incinerated in an instant. Jack tossed the broken katana off to the side and glared back at Jared. Realizing that Jack was panting for breath, he knew that he would falter soon.

“I’ve got to end this now before it’s too late. If this move doesn’t work… well, I’ll still use my trump card when the time is right.” Jack mumbled to himself. The ponies from above were nervously shivering. It felt like this could be the final match. All they could do was watch and pray.

Jared smirked at Jack’s current state, knowing he was going to screw up soon. Taking this opportunity to take Jack down now, Jared’s palm shot out black fire one more. Jack gripped the other katana with both hands and charged at his brother with the blade following behind him. He strafed to the left; evading the flame stream’s line of contact. Jared trailed his arm with Jacks motions. The black flame stream chased Jack; making him strafe to the side more. With little time left, Jack had to get near Jared to perform his only optional attack.

Eventually, Jack leaped up and back flipped over the flame stream. Once landed, Jack continued to charge at Jared. But after he landed, the flame stream managed to redirect its line of coarse. Not knowing the stream would redirect at that moment, Jack took a hit on his right shoulder. He flinched and grimaced in pain as the skin on the shoulder suffered a severe third degree burn while a piece of his cloth burned away. A severe skin graft could be seen on his shoulder pad. Warm blood flooded out of the torn flesh and the stinging sensation coursed through his body.

But Jack didn’t stop as he was going strong. The flame stream went right back to direct its way towards Jack. Jared planted his feet to the ground and started to back up slowly, while he tried to keep aiming the center of his palm towards Jack. At that moment, the tension hyphened as the two were drawing closer towards each other. Pinkie Pie, Rarity and Twilight’s eyes cringed as they covered their eyes with their hooves. Fluttershy, Dash, Applejack, and Aero had their eyes pop wide open while sweat trailed down their heads. It was indeed a close moment for the ponies, for they prayed hard for his success.

Jack was about four feet away from reaching Jared, and he prepared to put his technique into action. That is until Jared ceased his attack for a brief moment, aimed his palm at the center of Jack’s pelvis, and shot out dark flames once more. This time, they were widely spread thin flames. It was wide enough to cut Jack’s body in half, and Jack was heading straight towards it. However; Jack made the last second count as he collapsed to his knees and leaned his body back. While he slid on his knees, Jack watched the black flames shoot right above his face. As soon as he slid right next to Jared, Jack elevated his body back up, produced a battle cry, and thrusted his sword towards Jared’s chest. The blade impaled through Jared’s heart area and red blood sprinkled out of the wound. And at that moment, Jared flinched and ceased his fire attack at the same time. Jack held his position while keeping both hands on the handle.

“Got you… bitch.” Jack uttered while he was catching his breath. Jared’s body froze from the struck of the blade. He slowly leaned forward, and then his head hung down along with a final breath. And at that point, the room filled with silence. Jack knew that he won, that he finally killed Jared. All the anger that was boiling up inside Jack vanished after he made a big sigh in relief. At last, Jack finally fulfilled his life’s purpose, and his promise.

Back on top, the ponies sighed in a big relief to know that the fight was over. They also adopted joyful smiles, as Jack emerged victorious. They were proud of him for building his own willpower and strength for his character, due to the promise he made to the ponies. Taking their time to settle down from the intense battle they witnessed, Rainbow Dash was the first to congratulate Jack silently.

“Awesome! I can’t believe he actually did it! That’ll teach that jerk a lesson! Nice job, Jack!” Every pony but Fluttershy nodded at Dash. Fluttershy kept her composure, but felt very happy inside.

“Way to go, Jack.” Fluttershy mumbled, while she grinned at him. Back down, Jack felt a bit exhausted from all the energy he put out to defeat his brother. He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and sighed in relief once more.

Finally… it’s over… Jack spoke in his consciousness. Then…

“…hm…hmhmhmhmhm…” At that moment, Jack’s eyes shot open in surprise. He looked back at Jared, and was shocked to see him chortling. His shoulder pads went up and down from each chortle while his head was hung down. Jack and the ponies gasped to see that Jared was still alive. All that effort, and this was the result. Jack couldn’t believe himself that he actually fell for such a possum trick like this. Even so, he never expected this would be an easy battle. Once Jared was done chortling at Jack’s blinding stupidity, he raised his head up and grinned sinisterly.

“How very naïve of you to think that I would fall to such an evidential result such as this.” Boasted Jared. “You can be deceived so easily sometimes, which is just too piteous of you. But don’t be discouraged, I’m impressed by your capabilities. Your motive way for fighting was intriguing; it was indeed a bit stronger than I would anticipate, even more effective than the Nezperdians’s motive. The instinct prowess you developed was most astounding. Truly, you showed no sign of fear or desperation. You should be thankful for the gift you were given, the gift of the Nezperdian’s ability to grasp new concepts very quickly. Yes, you’ve shown yourself that you can surpass any mortal beings. However,” At that moment, Jared started to move himself down the blade with no sign of grimace or hesitation. His feat of strength was out of this world, it was as if he transcended the boundaries of every mortal capabilities. The blade slowly drove itself through Jared’s body, as he moved closer towards Jack. Once Jared’s head met with Jack’s gobsmacked face, he continued.

“Allow me to improve your assumptions, so that you may understand how to recognize what is reality and what is not.” Suddenly, Jared backhanded Jack to the side, sending Jack tumbling on the ground with loud thuds. The ponies gasped at Jack’s critical blow to the face.

“Jack!” Fluttershy exclaimed. When Jack’s body stopped tumbling on the ground, he slowly got back up to his feet. His legs trembled from the recoil and his third degree burn mark on his right shoulder stung like hell. It felt like a thousand sharp needles plunging deep into his skin at once. As Jack stood up, he covered his wound with his left hand, grimacing from the burning sensation on his right shoulder.

Jared smirked; looking down to his chest to see the katana still impaled through his chest. He grabbed the handle with his right hand, and started to pull the blade out of his chest slowly. Yet again, he showed no sign of grimace or hesitation. It’s like he couldn’t feel any pain at all. Once the sword was pulled out, he grabbed the bottom of the blade with his left hand, and presented it in front of Jack.

“Let us say the katana blade represents reality. And the hand I’m holding the blade with represents Zalgo’s assumptions. Here, it’s impossible to crush the blade by using a single mortal hand. It’s just a pure falsity assumption that can neither be obtained nor experienced. No matter how hard you try, or how far you reach, you will only accomplish nothing. In short, it is impossible to obtain powers like mine, for they exist in a fantasy universe. That is one of the realistic impressions of reality. However, those who transcend themselves from the limitary boundaries of reality, and reject the laws of physics by understanding a certain interpretation, that person can bring certain fantasies into reality. Zalgo is the concept of breaking reality and equivocal questions. That… is what we call ‘Reality Warping’.” With no warning, Jared quickly squeezed the blade and the blade snapped in half. The hilt and the rest of the blade fell right in front of Jared’s feet.

Jack and the ponies were utterly shocked and astounded by Jared’s capability. In short, that action caused them to be thrown off guard. Never in their lives they have seen such formidable power, even in the form of a human. But alas, they knew Jared was not normal. Jared held his gripped fist in front of him, and reopened it. Falling out of his grip came small shards and dusts of the shattered blade. After that, Jared dusted his palm against his white long cloth trouser and continued talking.

“Gods exist only to create and maintain the impossible, and leave certain achievable concepts for mortal beings to accomplish. That is how our history of existing goes.” With both swords rendered useless, Jack had but his collapsible bo staff, a grenade, a handgun with three rounds left, his army knife, and his martial art skills to rely on. But Jack knew that those things would be useless against Jared. However, Jack knew that there was one thing that can truly put an end to Zalgo once and for all. But, he knew that he had to use it at the right moment. For now, Jack decided to stay on the defensive for now until that moment arrives. Clenching his fists hard, Jack stared at his brother with determination.

I’m not sure how long I will keep this up, Jack spoke in his consciousness. If that moment doesn’t come soon, then this world is finished. I’ve got to be careful this time… my friends depend on m-

“Just because you adapted your new motive for fighting doesn’t make you invincible.” Jared interrupted Jack’s conversation with himself, causing Jack to snap back into reality.

“Even though you did possess great strength in protecting your friends, it does have its weaknesses and disadvantages. Just how do you know if your friends truly care about you? Sure you had a horrible life, and they feel how much you suffered. But let me tell you something that still exists in reality today. You may think that I’m overlooking this, but what I’m about to tell you is the truth.” Jared grinned as he continued talking.

“It’s a lesson called ‘Pain’. What is pain? How does pain work? What does pain have to do about this? Well… pain is like a teacher… a perspective teacher to be more precise, even a teacher that makes us more mature, receptive, and stronger. There are three terms for pain: loss, loneliness, and suffering. Equestria and its inhabitants have covered themselves in harmony for millenniums. Those childish creatures are incapable of understanding what true pain is, just like your pain for example. It’s because their emotions and perspectives are small and weak. That’s why they are guarded by their Goddess’s divine protection. And that’s why they know so little about us humans. They’re shrouded by a magical force that shelters them from the darkness that surrounds the land.

“You see, outside of Equestria, lands and cities were born and left to bear misery and hatred, while this land is submerged in paradise. There is no such thing as real violence in this land, for they make a fool of themselves into thinking that their level of violence is like the same as ours is. However, as long as there is good, there is also evil. What you don’t know is that shards of our pain sometimes sneak into this land unnoticed and curse the minds on certain living beings. Those shards then take the form of horrific nightmares, and in doing so brings them a vision of what we’re experiencing. The reason for that is with all this suffering we’re all experiencing, this land absorbs the pain, and in doing so plagues the land. We can’t help but think that their era will soon come to an end, and each and every Equestrians will die a horrible death from those horrific images due to overwhelming emotions.”

At that moment, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Applejack knew what he was talking about right there. The nightmares they’ve seen and went through were indeed unexpected. Rainbow Dash experiencing being turned into cupcakes by Pinkie Pie, Rarity abusing her little sister which turned Sweetie Belle into an abomination, and Applejack’s little sister eating her big sister’s insides. Nothing like that ever existed in Equestria, which made them realize that those horrific images must of come from the other side of Equestria that managed to make their way into those three. Even so, they felt more scared into thinking what lies beyond the borders of Equestria. As they kept pondering, Jared continued uninterrupted.

“Do you think it is fair that the inhabitants of Equestria are the only ones allowed to live in true harmony and not us? Well… that’s your choice, but I have no interest in such matters. Regardless, humans outside of Equestria will wage war against this land to obtain harmony for themselves. If that were to happen, then the land of Equestria will just become one huge battlefield. Every single Equestrian will be powerless to stop or escape the bloody onslaught, because they are too naive; they know nothing of absolute fear or true pain. They think they can just make friends with the humans, and they’ll all live happily ever after. This land cannot stay as a child forever, and that is the truth.” Jared paused for a moment to let his words sink into Jack’s head. Jack had his head down, looking on the ground with an emotionless expression on his face. He’s starting to get the picture, and it was slowly burning him from the inside.

“Jack, mark my words…” Jared continued, and Jack faced back up. “For this is and will be a fact. And this will also be your everlasting curse. Your friends will abandon you and so will you too. The more you suffer, the more you feel lost. And the more you become lost, the lonelier you become. And upon the empty space of loneliness, it will breed hatred and indifference. And that… shall be your greatest downfall. Just because your friends know how you feel, doesn’t mean they know the extent of your suffering. If you cannot show them the extent of your pain, then they will never have any mutual understandings with you. You’ll just be a horrible burden to them, and they will start trying to avoid you. The truth is, you’re only fighting for your benefits, not for real friendship.

“The only pain they’ve experienced so far is losing a loved one from a disease or old age. While outside, that is the most common pain we had to suffer. Bloody wars, murders, holocausts, revenge, and sacrifices… these connect to the pain you and others like you outside of Equestria have to endure. There are rarely any shreds of harmony that appear anywhere across the globe. That is why Equestrians fears the outside, for they cannot comprehend our level of pain. And our level of violence is way too much for them to handle. They’re even afraid of dying, no matter how much they want to risk sacrificing their lives against their greatest fears. You’re all living in the middle of such a phenomenon right now. You all know what the past is like, and you all can predict what the future will be.”

From what Jared said so far, it begun to tremble Jack in defeat. He just kept looking at the ground depressed. Not even a single comeback came in mind. He was all alone in his head, thinking of what he’s done and learned.

“Listen, Jack,” Jared continued. “How will your motive for fighting last forever when you have constant doubts clouding your judgment? Or rather, your friends talking behind your back? If you were to lose that motive, what will you have now? What would you live for? Without a purpose in life is the same as being dead. This is why vengeance was created, so it can fill that void of loneliness with power, and it will embrace your existence. Now answer me this… which one is more important to you now? Your friends... or vengeance? I want to hear your answer.” After Jared was done, the room was filled with silence. Jack once again felt alone, and that the truth weighed him down. To think that protecting someone dearly was just a delusion to him.

Is... is protecting someone who doesn’t highly think of me is worth the effort? Jack spoke in his consciousness. He had his doubts and they were swarming all over him.

Back on top, the ponies felt the same way he was experiencing. To think they would live like that this whole time, was just too sad to think about it. Fluttershy wanted to comfort Jack so badly and prove Jared he was wrong. But Fluttershy’s faith still lingered within her.

“I’m so sorry… Jack. B-But that’s not true... you’ve got to believe in us.” Fluttershy quietly muttered. Back down, Jack was fighting himself from the inside. Each doubt damaged his personal characteristics, and in doing so sent him into a horrible traumatized state. He felt like his whole mind was leaving him to rot. Jack desperately tried to find a dependable interpretation, but his doubts kept deterring him from finding an answer. Once again, Jack was trapped within his own mind. He slowly started to astray from all the positive emotions he experienced. All the haunting memories of his past gradually started to rive him apart. It felt like Jack was about to lose it… until a certain voice popped out of nowhere from inside his head.

“I think I understand now, Jack.” The voice of Fluttershy echoed in her consciousness. “I think it’s because you don’t want to be lonely anymore. You’ve been on your own for your entire life. I know what loneliness is… and I can possibly think how much you’re going through right now. Growing up without parents who don’t love you, and not having any friends is just terrible. Nobody deserves to live in a world with fear and violence. It’s like people don’t think you exist… and yet, you want to make yourself appear. So that someone can hear your cries.

“And now, you have gained my attention. I finally heard your cries inside of you, Jack. You don’t have to be alone anymore. Because, I can tell you… that all you ever needed back then and now… was a friend. You’ve made me stronger, Jack. Thank you…”

…Of course… Jack reassured himself in his consciousness. I get it now… Suddenly, Jack returned to his regular composure. His mind ceased fighting against him, since he now knew his answer. He looked back up and furrowed his eyes at Jared.

“Its protecting my friends of coarse! My friends are not weak! If they were able to confront what they’ve been through so far, and are able to contemplate pain like mine, then they will undoubtedly become strong! Real friends don’t care what your cover is! Friendship is a special and powerful feeling that can’t be broken easily! As long as I stay true to myself, then I can continue to forge my own path until I find peace within myself! And as long as there are others that are willing to know my pain, I will know that I will never be alone again! No matter what you say to me, the knowledge of friendship will guide me through anything!” After he was done talking, the ponies were once again touched and motivated. Jack had learned a lot from them, and they felt relieved to know that he was growing strong thanks to their wise sapience. Fluttershy once again had tears streaming down her cheeks as she remembered what she said to her friends.

“J-Jack deserves… more t-than friendship. H-He deserves… a second chance in life. S-So that… he can e-experience more things… he hasn’t… c-crossed yet. T-This… this is why… I want… t-to go back! S-So… so it… will be our turn… t-to save him! S-So… that… I can show him… h-how strong he made me! I-I want to save him… l-like a good friend would do! I WANT TO BE STRONG TOO!!”

Fluttershy wiped her tears away and smiled down at Jack’s determination.

Jack… I can’t thank you enough for what you did. We’ll be right here when you’re in need of trouble… you can count on it! Fluttershy spoke in her consciousness, while looking at her teary friends. Back down, Jared looked irritated at Jack for being obstinate. He knew that truthful harsh words wouldn’t faze him any longer. So… he just made a simple grin.

“Hmph… very well then. I suppose reasoning with you will be a waste of time. Cause after all, it will not matter in just one minute though.” Jared chuckled darkly. Jack raised his eyebrow looking puzzled.

“What do you mean?” He asked.

“Do you know what happens in one minute?” Jared said, raising both hands up to the side. “Today is December 31st… and in one minute, it will be our 20th birthday and a brand new year, Jack. And you know what happens on that day, right?” Given the moment to recap what Jared said, Jack and the ponies quickly realized what was about to happen. Just as they realized what the answer was, Jared went on with explaining.

“It’s the day of Zalgo’s return to the moral universe! Soon, the world shall be engulfed by his influence, and eternal wrath shall be laid upon those who defy his authority! You’ve should have reconsidered my offer Jack… but it’s too late now! You shall be erased from existence, and the manifestation of Am Dhaegar the Pure’s essence will soon belong to Zalgo!” At that moment, one of the dark tendrils snatched Jared’s spine sword out of his hand, and started reconnecting his ripped spine back into place. Once the spine was in place, the tendrils started to reconstruct the dislocated ligaments and the spinal cord, making awful sickening gooey and popping noises. Then, the tendrils slowly sank back into his body, while they stitched up the huge gap on his bareback. After that was done, Jared twisted his neck and back, making lots of cracks and popping noises.

“This is where my role ends here, for I shall not know what your fate will be. But as obvious as this is going to turn out, I will pray that you will try to entertain a real god. Now then…” Ten seconds left before midnight, Jared started to unwrap his bandages around his head. Jack went into his fighting stance, and prepared for the final showdown. Four seconds left, and Jared had the bandages off his head. It revealed that his eyelids were shut the whole time. However, just as he removed his bandages, black tears poured out of his eyes. Two seconds left, and Jared finally revealed his eyes. Both of his scleroses were pitch dark, while his irises and pupils were red as they took the appearance of the ‘Eye of Eternal Darkness’ circular symbol. After two seconds had passed, Jared spoke once more, yet this time he spoke in a duel voice.

"Let us begin... shall we?"

Author's Note

I'll try to get one scene pic per chapter... maybe two. Enjoy.